Importing Cocoa

February 6, 2009 7:49 AM

A friend and I would like to market Philippine cocoa in the U.S. How difficult is it to import food into the country? Digging around the FDA website got me awfully confused. The product is ready and delicious -- can somebody walk me through the steps for marketing it here? Thank you.
posted by muckster to food & drink (4 comments total)

check out askinosie chocolate.
posted by psylosyren at 8:31 AM on February 6

Call your Customs' broker; depending on the classification, you may be subject to [USDA] quota and/or 99 HTS provision, increasing your amount of duty. Cocoa, from what I've seen [lately], the FDA is testing for melamine (from countries other the China too)
posted by comasight at 9:03 AM on February 6

OK, thanks -- I guess the follow-up question is, can you recommend a customs broker in NYC?
posted by muckster at 9:46 AM on February 6

I would use Cambell & Gardiner Inc. - [phone]; www.cambellandgardiner.com ask for Breck Benja.
posted by comasight at 10:00 AM on February 6